How I Learned to Work Out as a Busty Girl

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By Refinery29

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Getty Images

There’s no need for modesty here; I’m going to talk about boobs. It’s not news that boobs bounce around—especially when you’re exercising. But the topic has resurfaced thanks to a new report from the University of Portsmouth. Researchers found that women avoid working out because of their breasts. The survey of 239 women shows that breasts rank behind health issues and lack of energy or time as the biggest barriers to exercise.

This small survey aside, anyone who has a D+ chest like mine is familiar with the struggles of yoga inversions, running, you name it. There are plenty of opportunities for that unpleasant feeling of being suffocated or slapped in the face by your own breasts. I, for one, will avoid the front row in indoor cycling class (depending on what style shirt I'm wearing) so that everyone doesn’t get a mirror-view of my endless cleavage while I'm bent over the bike. Under-boob and between-boob sweat? Welcome to my gross, daily reality.

Still, the biggest bust-hurdle I've had to overcome isn’t related to jiggle or physical discomfort: It’s my own thoughts. One of the best thing I’ve done for myself (and my boobs) is to back off from the negative, self-deprecating, busty-girl-at-the-gym jokes. I used to think it was funny to say things like “Wow, I could never wear that top to work out—without looking like I'm in a porn flick!” It was my way of commenting on my breast size without admitting my insecurity. [Click here to read the full story at Refinery29!]